You may be thinking to yourself "It's summertime, why do I need to think about self-care?" Good question! Self-care is important all year round; no matter the season. In fact, the summer season can be a great time to experiment with new self-care strategies and perfect your self-care plan!

​Need some ideas? No need to worry, I've got you covered. Below are a few therapist-approved techniques to try to vamp up your self-care routine this summer!

Six Self-Care Strategies for Summer 2016

Try new exercises! Exercise or any kind of movement for the body is essential all year round. The warmer months can be a great time to experiment with new exercises or activities, especially those that are outdoors and include spending time with others. Dust off the bicycle for a neighborhood ride with your children, put on your sneakers for a hike or try an outdoor yoga class! No matter the activity, make your self-care a priority by trying something new!

​Attend area festivals! One of my favorite things to do in the summertime is to attend festivals! These events offer a variety of amenities that may not be available to you in other venues. Good music, good food, good art and good people are only a few of the benefits of attending festivals or similar events. Other ideas may include going to free concerts or cookouts if larger events are not available in your area.

​Connect with loved ones! Whether it's the neighborhood barbacue or relaxing outside on the deck, the summer months can offer more free time to spend with loved ones. Call an old friend or visit with family members you have been avoiding. Stay in the present moment and take in the experience.

​Read a good book! Break away from your electronics and dive into a good book! Relax in your favorite spot in your backyard or walk to an area park where you can soak up the sun and the ambient sounds in the background while getting lost in a great story. Make sure to bring plenty of water, a few snacks and the sunscreen!

Try new, healthier foods! What we put in our body matters! And yes, can impact how we feel emotionally. Fresh fruits and vegetables such as berries and dark leafy greens are a few basic and simple substitutions to make in your diet this summer. Blueberries can be a great source of antioxidants and dark leafy greens are essential for good gut health. Making these changes only helps to improve your physical health which also helps to improve your mental health!

Make time for YOU! As always, making time just for you is essential. If this is something you struggle with, practice scheduling time for only you on a regular basis. Practice your relaxation or meditation skills or take a few minutes to be present with your surroundings. A few minutes a day cam go a long way!

Regardless of the techniques you experiment with this summer, the most important thing to remember is that your self-care is a priority! Without it, our physical, emotional and spiritual health decline. When your self-care suffers, you suffer. Make your self-care a priority this summer!